Compositions containing particles of highly fluorinated ion exchange polymer

ABSTRACT

Solid and liquid compositions containing particles of highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymer having sulfonate functional groups with an ion exchange ratio of less than about 33. The compositions contain at least about 25% by weight of polymer particles having a particle size of about 2 nm to about 30 nm.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to solid and liquid compositionscontaining particles of highly fluorinated ion exchange polymer havingsulfonate functional groups, a process for making such compositions, andproducts made using such compositions.

Liquid compositions of perfluorinated ion exchange polymers are knownfor use in the manufacture and repair of ion exchange membranes, formembrane coatings containing conductive or nonconductive particles, andfor many other uses. While such compositions are sometimes referred toas solutions, the compositions are generally recognized as beingdispersions of polymer particles.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,433,082 to Grot discloses a process for preparing suchliquid compositions containing perfluorinated ion-exchange polymershaving sulfonic acid groups or a salt thereof and having equivalentweights of 1025 to 1500. The medium preferred for use in U.S. Pat. No.4,433,082 contains 20 to 90% by weight of water and 10 to 80% by weightof an organic compound such as a lower alcohol. While U.S. Pat. No.4,433,082 indicates that liquid compositions can be prepared using wateronly, no useful processes for making liquid compositions withoutalcohols are disclosed.

Compositions made in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 4,433,082 andcontaining water together with one or more lower alcohols are soldcommercially under the trademark NAFION® by E.I. du Pont de Nemours andCompany. Currently, the commercial compositions can contain up to 10% byweight of a perfluorinated ion-exchange polymer having sulfonic acidgroups in a medium of approximately 30-60% by weight water, 15-30% byweight 1-propanol, 15-30% by weight 2-propanol, and less than 10% byweight (total) of miscellaneous components consisting of methanol, mixedethers and other volatile organic compounds (VOC's). A typicalcommercial composition contains a nominal 5% by weight of theperfluorinated ion-exchange polymer having sulfonic acid groups in amedium of approximately 45% by weight water, 22% by weight 1-propanol,22% by weight 2-propanol, 3% by weight methanol and 3% of mixed ethersand other VOC's.

For many uses, the alcohol in these compositions is undesirable. Forexample, known compositions are often used in the manufacture ofelectrodes containing catalyst particles for electrochemical cells suchas fuel cells. Exposure of alcohol vapors to the catalyst particles cancause undesirable side reactions and can even be a fire hazard. Ingeneral, the presence of an alcohol means that the alcohol or itsdecomposition products will be released into the atmosphere when thecomposition is used. Releases of VOC's result, not only in the loss ofthe compounds, but are subject to reporting requirements and limitsimposed by environmental authorities. Recovery systems can be employedbut they generally require a large investment, are expensive to operate,and may not be cost effective, particularly for small scale operations.

The alcohol in known compositions can be partially or entirely removedto produce a composition which contains less alcohol or essentially onlywater by processes such as vacuum distillation. However, suchcompositions are expensive because of the additional processing steps.In addition, the problems relating to alcohol release or recovery areassociated with the process used to remove alcohol from thecompositions.

Nonaqueous compositions containing alcohol or another organic mediumwith little or no water content are also desired for some applications.While known compositions containing a mixture of water and alcohol canbe converted to alcohol only compositions by processes such asazeotropic distillation, these processes are time consuming andexpensive. Nonaqueous compositions in a nonaqueous media other thanalcohol have are not typically been available due to the difficulty inmanufacture.

Moreover, commercially-available compositions typically have a lowconcentration of polymer (in the range of about 5% by weight) and areunsuitable for applications where higher concentrations are desired. Forexample, when coatings are made, it is often necessary to use processeswhich employ repetitive applications of the composition to make thedesired coating thickness and such processes are usually complicated,time consuming and costly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides solid and liquid compositions comprisingparticles of highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymer having sulfonatefunctional groups with an ion exchange ratio of less than about 33. Atleast about 25 weight % of the particles in the composition have aparticle size of about 2 nm to about 30 nm. Preferably, the compositionscontain at least about 50% by weight, most preferably 90% by weight, ofparticles having a particle size of about 2 nm to about 30 nm.Preferably, the solid composition is dispersible in water at roomtemperature and most preferably forms a stable colloid.

In accordance with another aspect of a solid composition in accordancewith the invention, the particles have a structure in which the polymerchains are folded so that the fluorine atoms are oriented towards theparticle interior and the sulfonate groups are concentrated on thesurface. In accordance with preferred form of the invention, sufficientsulfonate groups are on the surface to make the material redispersiblein water at room temperature. Moreover, it is preferred for at least 50%of the particles to be monomolecular, i.e., that each particle consistsof essentially one polymer molecule. Most preferably, at least 90% ofthe particles are monomolecular. Preferably, at least about 25% byweight of said particles have a particle size of about 2 nm to about 30nm.

The liquid compositions in accordance with the invention can containeither an aqueous liquid medium or nonaqueous liquid medium with 0.5 toabout 50% by weight of the polymer. The aqueous liquid compositions arepreferably substantially free of water miscible alcohols and morepreferably are substantially free of all organic liquids. In onepreferred form of the invention, the medium consists essentially ofwater. The nonaqueous compositions contain less than about 5% by weightwater and preferably the nonaqueous medium comprises a polar, smallmolecule organic liquid.

Liquid compositions also containing particles having a differentcomposition than the ion exchange particles are also provided by theinvention.

The invention also provides a process for preparing an aqueous liquidcomposition comprising particles of highly fluorinated ion-exchangepolymer having sulfonate functional groups and having an ion exchangeratio of less than about 33. The process includes contacting the polymerin a pressurized vessel with an aqueous liquid dispersion medium underconditions which cause the polymer to form particles with at least about25% by weight of said particles having a particle size of about 2 nm toabout 30 nm. The contents of the vessel is cooled to a temperature ofless than about 100° C. and an aqueous liquid composition comprisingparticles of the highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymer is recovered.Preferably, the dispersion medium for use in the process issubstantially free of water miscible alcohols, the temperature is about150° C. to about 300° C., and the contents of the vessel is agitatedsufficiently to subject the contents of the vessel to a shear rate of atleast about 150 sec^(−1.)

In one preferred form of the invention, the dispersion medium consistsessentially of water.

In another preferred form of the invention, the dispersion mediumcomprises 0.5 to 75% by weight of a dispersion assist additive selectedfrom the group consisting of nonreactive, substantially water immiscibleorganic compounds and carbon dioxide.

The aqueous compositions produced in the process can be converted tosolid compositions in accordance with the invention by removing liquidcomponents, preferably by evaporation at a temperature less than thecoalescence temperature of the ion exchange polymer.

The invention also provides processes for making films and elongatedarticles such as fibers from highly fluorinated ion exchange polymersand articles containing a substrate coated or impregnated withfluorinated ion exchange polymers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of small angle X-ray scattering(SAXS) data in which relative intensity is plotted against scatteringvector (q) in nm⁻¹ for samples of liquid compositions in accordance withthe invention and a prior art liquid composition prepared as in U.S.Pat. No. 4,433,082; and

FIG. 2 is a transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of a solidcomposition in accordance with the invention deposited on TiO₂particles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Ion Exchange Polymers

Polymers for use in accordance with the present invention are highlyfluorinated ion-exchange polymers having sulfonate functional groups.“Highly fluorinated” means that at least 90% of the total number ofhalogen and hydrogen atoms in the polymer are fluorine atoms. Mostpreferably, the polymer is perfluorinated. The term “sulfonatefunctional groups” is intended to refer to either to sulfonic acidgroups or salts of sulfonic acid groups, preferably alkali metal orammonium salts. Most preferably, the functional groups are representedby the formula —SO₃X wherein X is H, Li, Na, K or N(R¹)(R²)(R³)(R⁴) andR¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are the same or different and are H, CH₃ or C₂H₅. Forapplications where the polymer is to be used for proton exchange, thesulfonic acid form of the polymer is preferred, i.e., where X is H inthe formula above.

Preferably, the polymer comprises a polymer backbone with recurring sidechains attached to the backbone with the side chains carrying the cationexchange groups. Possible polymers include homopolymers or copolymers oftwo or more monomers. Copolymers are typically formed from one monomerwhich is a nonfunctional monomer and which provides carbon atoms for thepolymer backbone. A second monomer provides both carbon atoms for thepolymer backbone and also contributes the side chain carrying the cationexchange group or its precursor, e.g., a sulfonyl fluoride group(—SO₂F), which can be subsequently hydrolyzed to a sulfonate functionalgroup. For example, copolymers of a first fluorinated vinyl monomertogether with a second fluorinated vinyl monomer having a sulfonylfluoride group (—SO₂F) can be used. Possible first monomers includetetrafluoroethylene (TFE), hexafluoropropylene, vinyl fluoride,vinylidine fluoride, trifluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene,perfluoro (alkyl vinyl ether), and mixtures thereof. Possible secondmonomers include a variety of fluorinated vinyl ethers with sulfonatefunctional groups or precursor groups which can provide the desired sidechain in the polymer. The first monomer may also have a side chain whichdoes not interfere with the ion exchange function of the sulfonatefunctional group. Additional monomers can also be incorporated intothese polymers if desired.

A class of preferred polymers for use in the present invention include ahighly fluorinated, most preferably perfluorinated, carbon backbone andthe side chain is represented by the formula—(O—CF₂CFR_(f))_(a)—O—CF₂CFR′_(f)SO₃X, wherein R_(f) and R′_(f) areindependently selected from F, Cl or a perfluorinated alkyl group having1 to 10 carbon atoms, a=0, 1 or 2, and X is H, Li, Na, K orN(R¹)(R²)(R³)(R⁴) and R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are the same or different andare H, CH₃ or C₂H₅. The preferred polymers include, for example,polymers disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,282,875 and in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,358,545 and 4,940,525. One preferred polymer comprises aperfluorocarbon backbone and the side chain is represented by theformula —O—CF₂CF(CF₃)—O—CF₂CF₂SO₃X, wherein X is as defined above.Polymers of this type are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,282,875 and canbe made by copolymerization of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and theperfluorinated vinyl ether CF₂═CF—O—CF₂CF(CF₃)—O—CF₂CF₂SO₂F,perfluoro(3,6-dioxa-4-methyl-7-octenesulfonyl fluoride) (PDMOF),followed by conversion to sulfonate groups by hydrolysis of the sulfonylfluoride groups and ion exchanging if needed to convert to the desiredform. One preferred polymer of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,358,545 and 4,940,525 has the side chain —O—CF₂CF₂SO₃X, wherein X isas defined above. This polymer can be made by copolymerization oftetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and the perfluorinated vinyl etherCF₂═CF—O—CF₂CF₂SO₂F, perfluoro(3-oxa-4-pentenesulfonyl fluoride) (POPF),followed by hydrolysis and acid exchange if needed.

The polymers have an ion exchange ratio of less than about 33. In thisapplication, “ion exchange ratio” or “IXR” is defined as number ofcarbon atoms in the polymer backbone in relation to the cation exchangegroups. Within the range of less than about 33, IXR can be varied asdesired for the particular application. With most polymers, the IXR ispreferably about 3 to about 33, more preferably about 8 to about 23.

For polymers of this type, the cation exchange capacity of a polymer isoften expressed in terms of equivalent weight (EW). For the purposes ofthis application, equivalent weight (EW) is defined to be the weight ofthe polymer in acid form required to neutralize one equivalent of NaOH.In the case of a sulfonate polymer where the polymer comprises aperfluorocarbon backbone and the side chain is—O—CF₂—CF(CF₃)—O—CF₂—CF₂—SO₃H (or a salt thereof, the equivalent weightrange which corresponds to an IXR of about 8 to about 23 is about 750 EWto about 1500 EW. IXR for this polymer can be related to equivalentweight using the following formula: 50 IXR+344=EW. While generally thesame IXR range is used for sulfonate polymers disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,358,545 and 4,940,525, e.g., the polymer having the side chain—O—CF₂CF₂SO₃H (or a salt thereof, the equivalent weight is somewhatlower because of the lower molecular weight of the monomer unitcontaining a cation exchange group. For the preferred IXR range of about8 to about 23, the corresponding equivalent weight range is about 575 EWto about 1325 EW. IXR for this polymer can be related to equivalentweight using the following formula: 50 IXR+178=EW.

Compositions

The compositions in accordance with the invention, in both solid andaqueous or nonaqueous forms, have a significantly higher weightpercentage of particles having a particle size of about 2 nm to about 30nm than do compositions prepared by the process of U.S. Pat. No.4,433,082 to Grot. The compositions in accordance with the inventionscontain at least about 25 weight % particles having a particle size ofabout 2 nm to about 30 nm. Preferably, the compositions contain at leastabout 50% by weight, most preferably 90% by weight, of particles havinga particle size of about 2 nm to about 30 nm. Typically, the percentagesof particles in the size range of about 2 nm to about 30 nm will begreater in compositions made with lower ion exchange ratio (lowerequivalent weight) polymers.

The particle size in liquid compositions in accordance with theinvention can be measured by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Insolid compositions, particle size can be measured by transmissionelectron microscopy (TEM). Since the particles using polymer in normalmolecular weight ranges typically have an aspect ratio in the range ofabout 5:1 to about 6:1, particle size as used in this application refersto the longest dimension of the particles.

The difference in particle size between compositions in accordance withthe invention and compositions prepared by the process of U.S. Pat. No.4,433,082 to Grot is seen clearly in small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS)data. FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of SAXS data in whichrelative intensity is plotted against scattering vector (q) in nm⁻¹ forsamples of liquid (water only) compositions in accordance with theinvention and a prior art liquid (alcohol/water) composition prepared asin U.S. Pat. No. 4,433,082. Samples of the invention are prepared as inExample 1, Part 1, described hereinafter except that 70 g of polymer areused to make the 22 weight % colloid which is appropriately diluted withwater to make the lower solids samples. q (scattering vector) is definedas 4(π)/A sin(B/2) with A and B being, respectively, the wavelength andthe scattering angle. SAXS measurements are performed as described in“Small Angle X-ray Scattering”, edited by O. Glatter and O. Kratky(Academic Press, London 1982).

The SAXS patterns of compositions in accordance with the invention showa sharp peak that shifts to lower q (or scattering angle) upon dilution.This suggests that the peak can be attributed to the nature ofinter-particle interference. Thus, an averaged inter-particle distance(d) can be estimated from the peak position, q_((max)), in the plots ofI·q², following Bragg's Law:d=2(π)/q _((max))d values are calculated to be 11.4 nm, 19.2 nm, and 23.8 nm,respectively, for the 22%, 8.3%, and 4.9% compositions depicted inFIG. 1. These SAXS patterns indicate that the particle size giving riseto them is less than 11.4 nm.

In I·q² plots, one can also see a secondary peak, which is located atabout 0.2q_((max)), for compositions in accordance with the invention.The SAXS patterns suggest the presence of a large amount of particles ofaveraged particle size of less than 11.4 nm which are arranged in afairly ordered fashion to rise to the sharp SAXS peaks and secondarypeaks. The liquid composition made as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,433,082 have avery different pattern with only a shoulder in the range of q where theinvention shows the strong peak. Assuming that this shoulder is a resultof inter-particle interference as in the compositions of the invention,the compositions of the invention clearly have a much higher percentageof particles in the particle size range of about 2 nm to 30 nm.

As illustrated more fully in Example 8, Part 3, particle light scattermeasurements on the aqueous liquid compositions in accordance with theinvention using an argon ion laser show much less scatter than similarcompositions prepared by the process of U.S. Pat. No. 4,433,082 to Grot.

Preferred solid compositions, including the compositions obtained upondrying preferred liquid compositions in accordance with the invention,are easily dispersible in water at room temperature. In contrast, solidsrecovered from compositions made by the process of U.S. Pat. No.4,433,082 to Grot containing alcohols are not redispersible in water atroom temperature and must be redispersed in alcohol or alcohol mixtures.The compositions made by redispersion of the preferred solidcompositions and the preferred liquid compositions described in moredetail hereinafter may be described as colloids of solid particles in aliquid since the particle size falls within the range of 5 to 5000angstroms, the particles do not settle out rapidly, light scattering isobserved and the viscosity is lower than would be expected for a truesolution of the same polymer with the same concentration. The viscosityof the liquid compositions in accordance with the invention is lowerthan the viscosity of compositions having the same concentration ofpolymer but made by the process of U.S. Pat. No. 4,433,082 to Grot.Moreover, in most preferred compositions, a stable colloid in water atroom temperature is provided. By “stable colloid” as used thisapplication refers to a colloid which has properties which do not changesubstantially over period of 30 days when stored without agitation atroom temperature. The solid compositions can also be dispersed in apolar, small molecule organic liquid such as a lower (C₁₋₄) alcohols,acetic acid, dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, γ-butyrolactone,dimethyl sulfoxide, ethylene glycol, acetonitrile, tetramethylene cyclicsulfone, succinonitrile, or mixtures thereof.

The solid compositions, including the compositions obtained upon dryingpreferred liquid compositions in accordance with the invention, arepreferably substantially free of components containing carbonyl bonds asdetermined by reflectance infrared spectroscopy. In contrast,reflectance infrared spectroscopy of solids recovered from compositionsmade by the process of U.S. Pat. No. 4,433,082 to Grot indicate bands at1740 cm⁻¹ corresponding to the presence of carbonyl groups. It isbelieved that compounds containing carbonyl groups are formed duringmanufacturing due to the presence of alcohols in the dispersion process.Preferred compositions in accordance with the invention are also free ofC—H bonds, i.e., no bands 2800-3000 cm⁻¹ occur in reflectance infraredspectroscopy, unless they are present in the polymer molecule, e.g.,unfluorinated sites or quaternary amine cation associated with the —SO₃—group.

The exact form of the solid compositions can vary widely depending onthe manufacturing process and/or desired end use and be in formsincluding powders, films, flakes, beads, etc. Friable particulatecompositions for easy packaging, transportation and redispersion areadvantageously produced using a drying process, e.g., freeze-drying.Spray drying at low temperatures is also useful for manufacturing thesolid compositions.

The compositions in solid form have far lower measured surface areasthan would be expected based on the particle size present. A formulaoften used to estimate surface area of a solid is:S=6/(d·D)where d is the density (g/cc) of the material, D the ultimate particlesize in μm (microns) that nitrogen can adsorb on, and S is the specificsurface area in m²/g. This formula is strictly valid for monodispersed(uniform) spheres and cubes with smooth surfaces. Solids with slightlyskewed shapes will give approximately the same values. Solids with roughsurfaces will give higher values. For 25 nm (0.025 μm) particles, theformula reduces to S=240/d. Since the density of the polymer isapproximately 2.5 g/cc, the expected surface area based on the formulawould be 96 m²/g. This same calculation done using 10 nm (0.01 μm)particles is 240 m²/g. When the surface area of solid compositions inaccordance with the invention are measured with a Micromeritics ASAP2400 adsorption apparatus by the BET method [S. Brunaurer, P. H. Emmett,and E. Teller, JACS, Vol. 60, 309 (1938)] using the absorption of liquidnitrogen at its boiling point, the surface area measured isapproximately 1 m²/g. This is very low for materials having such a smallparticle size. For example, silica with a similar particle size (−25 nm)has a surface area of about 100 m²/g. It is believed that the lowsurface area is due to a very close packing of the particles.

Typically, the ion exchange polymers used to make the compositions inaccordance with the invention contain water which becomes associatedwith the sulfonate groups in the polymer of the composition duringmanufacture or from exposure to moisture in the air. In the solid form,it is preferred for the compositions to have a water content of lessthan about 20% by weight, most preferably less than 15% by weight tominimize weight during shipping and to more easily provide free-flowingsolids.

An aqueous liquid composition in accordance with the invention comprisesan aqueous medium containing about 0.5 to about 50 percent by weightparticles of the highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymer, at least about25 weight % particles having a particle size of about 2 nm to about 30nm. The aqueous liquid compositions in accordance with the invention canprovide higher polymer solids content than known compositions of thistype. Preferably, the composition comprises about 5 to about 40% byweight ion exchange polymer, more preferably, about 10 to about 40% byweight ion exchange polymer and, most preferably, about 20 to about 40%by weight ion exchange polymer.

Preferably, the compositions are substantially free of alcohols. Using apreferred process in accordance with the invention as will be describedhereinafter, alcohols are undesirable in manufacturing and the problemsassociated with them are avoided using the preferred compositions. Morepreferably, the compositions are substantially free of all organicliquids. In most preferred compositions, the aqueous liquid mediumconsists essentially of water. “Consisting essentially of water” meansthat the medium contains at least 99% by weight water and thus providesa composition which is essentially only water containing the ionexchange polymer particles.

Preferred aqueous compositions are stable colloids (as definedpreviously). Surprisingly, such stable colloid compositions containingonly water and the ion exchange polymer can have high polymer solidscontents, i.e, up to 35% or higher even when high ion exchange ratio(high equivalent weight) polymer is used. The preferred aqueouscompositions can be dried to form solid compositions in accordance withthe invention which can be redispersed in water at room temperature,most preferably to form a stable colloid.

Thixotropic compositions can be made from the aqueous compositions inaccordance with the invention by the addition of a suitable watersoluble polymer. For example, polyacrylic acid having a suitablemolecular weight range can be mixed with a liquid composition inaccordance with the invention to form a homogeneous low viscosity liquidwhich, on standing, becomes a transparent gel and which will return to aliquid state upon further agitation.

A nonaqueous liquid composition in accordance with the invention employsa nonaqueous liquid medium containing less than about 5% by weightwater. The nonaqueous medium preferably is one or a mixture of widevariety of polar, small molecule organic liquids. Preferably, theliquids are miscible with water. Most preferably, the composition issubstantially free of water. By substantially free of water is meantthat the composition contains less than 1% by weight water. Mostpreferred organic liquids include lower (C₁₋₄) alcohols, acetic acid,dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, γ-butyrolactone, dimethylsulfoxide, ethylene glycol, acetonitrile tetramethylene cyclic sulfone,succinonitrile or mixtures thereof.

The nonaqueous medium contains about 0.5 to about 50% by weightparticles of a highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymer having sulfonatefunctional groups with an ion exchange ratio of less than about 33. Atleast about 25 weight % particles have a particle size of about 2 nm toabout 30 nm. Preferably, the composition comprises about 5 to about 40%by weight ion exchange polymer, more preferably, about 10 to about 40%by weight ion exchange polymer and, most preferably, about 20 to about40% by weight ion exchange polymer. Preferably, the nonaqueous liquidcomposition is a stable colloid.

It is believed that a significant portion of polymer particles inpreferred liquid compositions in accordance with the invention resemblemicelles. This is consistent with the stability observed for thepreferred colloids. In the micelle-like particles in liquidcompositions, the fluorocarbon backbone of the polymer would form a coreand the side chains provided by the perfluorovinyl ether monomers whichend in sulfonate groups would form a corona. While the micellularstructure of the liquid composition may not be apparent in solidcompositions of the invention, the small particle size structure existswhich is believed to enable the particles to again form micelle-likestructures under mild conditions thereby facilitating redispersion. Thetransmission electron micrograph (TEM) of FIG. 2 showing a solidcomposition of the invention deposited on larger TiO₂ particlesindicates that the particles in solid composition have a shortthread-like structure. Consistent with this structure and lightscattering and SAXS data, the particles have a structure in which thefluorinated polymer chains are folded so that the fluorine atoms areoriented towards the particle's interior and the sulfonate groups areconcentrated on the surface. In accordance with a preferred form of theinvention, sufficient sulfonate groups are on the surface to make thematerial redispersible in water at room temperature.

Moreover, it is preferred for at least 50% of the particles ofcompositions in accordance with the invention to be monomolecular, i.e.,that each particle consists of essentially one polymer molecule. Mostpreferably, at least 90% of the particles are monomolecular. Asdiscussed above, while the compositions preferably are monomolecular innature, the compositions are unlike true polymer solutions since havethe low viscosity and light scattering characteristics of a colloid. TheTEM of FIG. 2 illustrates the thread-like structure and small particlesize of the particles in the composition as deposited on larger TiO₂particles. Measurements based on the TEM show that a typical particlehas a longest dimension of about 11 nm and a width of about 2 nm which,based on volume calculations, indicates a monomolecular particle.

In one preferred form of the invention, the aqueous and the nonaqueousliquid compositions in accordance with the invention further incorporateother particles of a different composition. The particulates aredispersed particularly easily in these compositions without the use ofsurfactants or other dispersion assists. The compositions including theadditional particulates can also be highly stable. In preferredcompositions, the particles of a different composition are selected formthe group consisting of fillers (including fibrillating fluoropolymers),catalysts, conductive particles, reinforcing fibrils and mixturesthereof. The compositions are especially useful as high qualitydispersions of such particulates for making coatings, as additives toother compositions, and other such purposes. The compositions are thusespecially useful as catalyst ink formulations used for makingelectrodes for use in electrochemical cells such as fuel cells orelectrolytic cells. The compositions including nonconductive particlesare useful for making coatings such as the gas release coatings whichare sometimes applied to membranes for use in chloralkali cells.

The compositions of the present invention are demonstrably differentfrom those made in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 4,433,082. SAXS datashows that particles in the size range of about 2 to about 30 nmcomprise a substantial portion of the compositions of the inventionwhereas particles in this size range are largely absent fromcompositions made in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 4,433,082. Preferredaqueous compositions are free of alcohols and most preferably free ofother water-miscible organic liquids which are known to cause problemsin the prior compositions. If desired, the aqueous compositions cancontain nothing other than polymer and water. Accordingly, the liquidcompositions are especially suitable for uses in which alcohols causeproblems, i.e, applications using catalysts in which ignition of alcoholvapors is a potential risk.

The preferred compositions also have a very wide range of concentrationwhich are stable colloids which do not exhibit the gelation which canoccur with prior compositions. Viscosity is lower for compositions inaccordance with the invention compared to known compositions with thesame concentration. In addition, the compositions can be dried andreconstituted in water at room temperature which is a very surprisingresult for compositions of this type. No solid compositions aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,433,082 which are redispersible in water atroom temperature.

Gelation can occur in liquid compositions with higher IXR (EW) polymersat higher concentrations. For example, 23 IXR (1500 EW) polymer at morethan 10 weight percent polymer forms a gel upon standing for longperiods of time. The addition of a quantity, e.g., 10%, of lower alcoholat ambient temperature restores fluidity to the compositions.

The compositions have excellent film forming ability and can be spuninto fibers without additional formulation. Accordingly, thecompositions are useful for making coatings, films, ion exchangemembranes, fibers and other structures which are advantageously made ofhighly fluorinated polymer having sulfonate groups. Processes inaccordance with the invention for making such articles are describedhereinafter.

Processes for Making the Compositions

A process for preparing compositions in accordance with the inventioncomprises contacting the highly fluorinated ion exchange polymer in apressurized vessel with an aqueous liquid dispersion medium underconditions which cause the polymer to form particles with at least about25% by weight of said particles having a particle size of about 2 nm toabout 30 nm. Preferably, the temperature employed is about 150° C. toabout 350° C. Most preferably, a temperature of about 220 to about 300°C. is used.

In a preferred process in accordance with the invention, the aqueousliquid dispersion medium is substantially free of water misciblealcohols. Surprisingly, even over a wide range of ion exchange ratios(equivalent weights), no alcohol is needed to produce high solidscontent compositions as has been used in the practice of prior artprocesses such as the process disclosed by Grot in U.S. Pat. No.4,433,082. Most preferably, the dispersion medium is substantially freeof water miscible organic compounds. It is also preferable for the pH ofthe dispersion medium to be greater than about 1.

In one preferred form of the invention, the dispersion medium consistsessentially of water. By “consisting essentially of water”, means thatthe water comprises at least about 99% by weight water and that nosolvents or additives are present which have a substantial effect on thedispersion process. In another preferred form of the invention, thedispersion medium comprises 0.5 to 75% by weight of a dispersion assistadditive selected from the group consisting of nonreactive,substantially water immiscible organic compounds and carbon dioxide.Both of these forms of the invention can provide excellent products butprovide somewhat different processing advantages.

The process where the dispersion medium consists essentially of waterminimizes the requirements for chemicals and avoids the need to recycleor recover any organic compounds which also make the process veryattractive for environmental and health and safety purposes. Use of thedispersion assist additive selected from the group consisting ofnonreactive, substantially water immiscible organic compounds and carbondioxide enables the process to be run faster or to use less severetemperature conditions.

With reference to the organic compound dispersion assist additives,“substantially water immiscible” is intended to mean that the solubilityof the compound in water at 25° C. is less than 0.2% by weight. Thesecompounds provide improved dispersion properties to the aqueous mediumbut are readily separated from the liquid product after processing.

One particularly preferred group of dispersion assist additives includenonreactive, substantially water immiscible aromatic compounds. Anotherparticularly preferred dispersion assist additive is carbon dioxide.

In a preferred process of the invention, the contents of the vessel issufficiently agitated during the contacting to subject the contents ofthe vessel to a shear rate of at least about 150 sec⁻¹. Agitation ofthis intensity is believed to promotes the formation of the particlesize in the compositions in accordance with the invention and enablesreasonably short processing times when higher concentration compositionsare desired, particularly when the dispersion medium consistsessentially of water. More preferably, the agitation during thecontacting with the dispersion medium subjects the contents of thevessel to a shear rate of at least about 300 sec⁻¹, most preferably to ashear of at least about 1000 sec⁻¹. Agitation is suitably provided usingrotating blades, impellers and the like. Alternately, ultrasonic devicescan be used if desired.

Preferably, the contacting of the ion exchange polymer with thedispersion medium is performed for a period of less than about 10 hours,most preferably less than about 5 hours.

After the desired amount of polymer is dispersed within the dispersionmedium, the contents of the vessel is cooled to a temperature of lessthan about 100° C. This enables the pressure to be reduced without theaqueous medium boiling and facilitates recovery of the aqueous liquidcomposition comprising particles of the highly fluorinated ion-exchangepolymer. In some processes, it may be desirable during cooling to permitpartial or full evaporation of the dispersion medium to produce a moreconcentrated liquid or a solid product, to decrease the energy neededfor cooling, or for other purposes.

The processing conditions preferably cause the dispersion of the ionexchange polymer into particles of a highly fluorinated ion-exchangepolymer having sulfonate functional groups having an particle size ofabout 2 to about 30 nm. Preferably, at least 25% by weight of suchparticles are formed in the composition.

In one particularly preferred embodiment of the process in accordancewith the invention, the process is carried out in a stirred autoclavewhich is made of materials with the necessary corrosion resistance.Preferably, the vessel is made of an acid resistant alloy, e.g.,Hastelloy® sold by the Haynes Company. The process can also be carriedout in any pressurizable reactor vessel which has the capability toprovide the required agitation and which is lined or plated withsuitably inert materials such as poly(tetrafluoroethylene), glass orgold.

In a preferred form of the process, the recovered liquid composition iscontacted with H₂O₂ for the purposes of decreasing odor and/or color.The compositions sometimes are contaminated with sulfur containingimpurities because dimethyl sulfoxide is sometimes used to swell thepolymer during hydrolysis to increase the reaction rate and the odor isbelieved to be due to sulfur containing impurities. Preferably, therecovered liquid composition is heated while it is contacted with H₂O₂,most preferably to about 90-100° C.

When it is desired for the particles in the resulting composition to bein the sulfonic acid (—SO₃H), it is preferred for the polymer used toinitially be in the sulfonic acid form. When it is desired for theparticles to be in metal or ammonium salt form, one preferred method formanufacture is for the polymer to initially be in the sulfonic acid formand contacting with the aqueous medium in the presence of a metal orammonium salt of a weak acid whereby the particles in the recoveredaqueous liquid composition are in metal or ammonium salt form. Metal orammonium salts of carbonic acid, i.e, carbonates are especially useful.

The process of the invention initially produces an aqueous liquidcomposition containing the particles of the ion exchange polymer. Ifdesired, solid compositions in accordance with the invention areadvantageously produced from the liquid compositions by removing liquidcomponents of the aqueous liquid composition. Preferably, the liquidcomponents are removed by evaporation at a temperature less than thecoalescence temperature of the ion exchanged polymer in the composition.By “coalescence temperature” is meant the temperature at which a driedsolid of the polymer is cured to a stable solid which is notredispersible in water or other polar solvents under mild conditions,i.e., room temperature/atmospheric pressure.

Coalescence temperatures vary with polymer composition. A typicalcoalescence temperature for a TFE/PDMOF (—SO₃H) (IXR 14.7) (EW1080)copolymer is approximately 175° C. With the same polymer with an IXR of23 (EW of 1500), the coalescence temperature is somewhat higher, i.e.,approximately 225° C. With a TFE/POPF (—SO₃H) (IXR 12) (EW778)copolymer, the coalescence temperature is somewhat higher at the low IXR(low EW) values, i.e., approximately 225° C. Preferably, liquidcomponents are removed from the composition by heating to a temperatureof less than about 100° C. Freeze-drying is another preferred method toremove the liquid components since it produces a friable solid materialwhich may be handled and redispersed particularly easily. Spray dryingat a temperature less that the coalescence temperature is also effectivefor making redispersible powdered compositions.

Processes for Making Articles from the Compositions

A process in accordance with the invention for making a film of a highlyfluorinated ion-exchange polymer having sulfonate functional groupsincludes casting a liquid composition comprising a liquid dispersionmedium and about 0.5 to about 50% by weight particles of a highlyfluorinated ion-exchange polymer having sulfonate functional groups withan ion exchange ratio of less than about 33. At least about 25 weight %of the particles in the liquid composition have a particle size of about2 nm to about 30 nm. The liquid dispersion medium can be aqueous ornonaqueous as has been described for the liquid compositions inaccordance with the invention. The casting is typically done onto apolymer belt from which the film can be easily released, i.e.,poly(tetrafluoroethylene). Preferably, a surfactant is added to theliquid dispersion medium to lower the surface tension of the compositionand promote the even distribution of the composition on the polymerbelt.

After casting in the process of the invention, the liquid dispersionmedium is removed from the composition to form an uncoalesced film ofthe ion exchange polymer. Preferably, this is accomplished byevaporation of the medium at a temperature below the coalescencetemperature of the ion exchange polymer.

After removal of the liquid medium, the uncoalesced film is heated toabove the coalescence temperature of the ion exchange polymer. Heatingto above the coalescence temperature is believed to fuse the polymerparticles to for a film stable in water and which has properties similarto films which have been extruded in the thermoplastic (—SO₂F) form andthen subsequently hydrolyzed and acid exchanged to the (—SO₃H) form.

The invention is also provides a process for making an elongated shapedarticle, preferably a fiber, of a highly fluorinated ion-exchangepolymer having sulfonate functional groups. The process includesextruding a liquid composition comprising a liquid dispersion medium andabout 0.5 to about 50% by weight particles of a highly fluorinatedion-exchange polymer having sulfonate functional groups with an ionexchange ratio of less than about 33, at least about 25 weight % of theparticles having a particle size of about 2 nm to about 30 nm. Forextrusion, it is typically necessary to adjust the viscosity of thecomposition as needed so that the extruded composition retains itsextruded shape. Viscosity can be adjusted by increasing theconcentration to a very high level or by adding water soluble polymerssuch as polyacrylic acid.

The invention also provides a process for making an article containing ahighly fluorinated ion-exchange polymer having sulfonate functionalgroups by applying a liquid composition in accordance with the inventionto a substrate. As in the method for making films, the liquid dispersionmedium is removed from the liquid composition and the resultinguncoalesced film is heated to above the coalescence temperature of theion exchange polymer. The process is advantageously used for nonporoussubstrates on which the ion exchange polymer forms a surface coating.The process can also be used for porous substrates into which at least aportion the ion exchange polymer penetrates and is incorporated into theinterior of the substrate. Inert porous supports can be coated to makemembranes, diaphragms and other structures for use in electrochemicalcells, for humidification/dehumidification applications, separations andother uses. The process is also especially useful when the liquidcomposition also contains particles of a different composition which areincorporated onto the ion exchange polymer applied to the substrate.

In a preferred form of this process, the substrate comprises afluoropolymer having a composition different from the ion exchangepolymer and the liquid dispersion medium is aqueous and furthercomprises a surfactant to increase adhesion of the ion exchange polymerto the substrate. Preferred surfactants include perfluoroalkanoic acidswith greater than about five carbon atoms and alkyl phenyl sulfonicacids. In another form of the invention where the substrate comprises afluoropolymer having a composition different from the ion exchangepolymer, the substrate is treated prior to application of thecomposition to increase adhesion of the ion exchange polymer to thesubstrate. A preferred treatment includes surface etching electricallywith surface corona discharge or chemically with sodium ketyl frombenzophenone. These preferred forms of the invention are especiallyuseful for applying coatings to nonporous or impregnating porousfluoropolymers such as poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) in various formsincluding fiber, fabric, or microporous or nonporous films of PTFE.

The following examples provide specific embodiments of the presentinvention and further illustrate its innovative aspects. Parts andpercentages are by weight unless otherwise indicated.

In the examples, abbreviations are used as follows:

-   -   PTFE represents polytetrafluoroethylene;    -   TFE/PDMOF represents a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and        perfluoro (3,6-dioxa-4-methyl-7-octenesulfonyl fluoride);    -   TFE/POPF represents a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and        perfluoro (3-oxa-4-pentenesulfonyl fluoride); and    -   EW represents the equivalent weight of the fluoropolymer.

EXAMPLE 1

A 400 ml shaker tube made of an acid resistant alloy sold under thetrademark HASTELLOY® C-276 by the Haynes Company is charged with 200 mlof water, 50 ml of benzene, and 25 g of a TFE/PDMOF copolymer having anIXR of 14.7 (EW of 1080). The TFE/PDMOF copolymer is in bead form withthe —SO₂F groups of the copolymer having been hydrolyzed and acidexchanged to the —SO₃H form. The copolymer contains 13% by weight ofabsorbed water.

Part 1

The mixture is shaken at 230° C. for 5 hours. The liquid composition isseparated from the immiscible benzene layer by means of a separatoryfunnel. The clear liquid composition, which had a light straw color,contains 11.2% by weight of solids, determined by drying an aliquot at110° C.

Part 2

The above procedure is repeated except that no benzene is used; i.e.water and TFE/PDMOF copolymer only are added to the shaker tube. A clearliquid product is obtained which contains 7.5% by weight of solids.

Part 3

The above procedure is again repeated using all three ingredients, butthe mixture is shaken at 280° C. for 30 min. The clear liquid product,after separation from residual polymer and benzene, contains 20.5% byweight of solids.

EXAMPLE 2

Liquid compositions are prepared using the procedure of Example 1, Part1, with various amounts of beads of TFE/PDMOF copolymers (—SO₃H form) ofvarious equivalent weights (EW), and a variety of low water solubilityorganic compounds. In each Example, 200 ml of water is used, togetherwith 50 ml of organic compound or a weight equivalent thereto. Detailsare given in Table 1 below, together with the percentage (by weight) ofsolids contained in the resulting liquid compositions.

The liquid composition prepared in Part 1, which has a polymer contentof 22.7% by weight, has a viscosity similar to that of ethylene glycol.TABLE 1 Part TFE/PDMOF g IXR EW Org. Cmpd. % Solids 1 67 14.7 1080Benzene 22.7 2 100  14.7 1080 Benzene 32.2^(a) 3 35 23 1500 Benzene 6.84 50 23 1500 Benzene 13.2^(b) 5 25 14.7 1080 FC-75^(c) 8.3 6 25 14.71080 Toluene 10.0 7 25 14.7 1080 Cyclohexane 9.3 8 25 14.7 1080Naphthalene 17.0 9 25 14.7 1080 Fluorobenzene 14.3 10 25 14.7 1080n-Heptane 8.0 11 25 14.7 1080 Benzene 7.0^(d) 12    43.6^(e) 14.7 1080Benzene 23.0 14  60^(d) 14.7 1080 Biphenyl 16.1^(a)= forms paste^(b)= 12 hour time^(c)= FC-75 is perfluoro butyl tetrahydrafurane^(d)= Ran at 170° C.^(e)= Hydrolyzed TFE/PDMOF copolymer is in the form of hot water-washedfilm.

EXAMPLE 3

Liquid compositions are prepared using the procedure of Example 1, Part1, except that 60 g of hydrolyzed and acid exchanged (—SO₃H form)TFE/PDMOF copolymer film (IXR 14.7) (EW 1070) is used. Varied amounts ofbenzene as the low solubility organic compound are used. Details andfinal solids concentrations in the liquid products are listed in Table 2below: TABLE 2 BENZENE, ml % SOLIDS (by weight) 50 >25 20 20.3 5 19.1 116.2 0 7.5

EXAMPLE 4

This example shows that the rate of liquid composition formation isenhanced by increased agitation.

Two liquid compositions are made using the same conditions, 5 hours at230° C., but one example is carried out in a shaker tube of the typeused in Example 1 and the other in a stirred autoclave. It is estimatedthat the stirred autoclave provides a shear rate of approximately 15,000sec⁻¹ The shaker tube provides substantially less shear, i.e., shearrate of approximately 160 sec⁻¹. Each Part described below used excessTFE/PDMOF (—SO₃H form) (IXR 14.7 or 14.5) (EW1080 or 1070) so that someunchanged material remains in each after 5 hours.

Part 1

The shaker tube is charged with 200 ml H₂O and 25 g TFE/PDMOF (—SO₃Hform) (IXR 14.7) (EW1080) in bead form. The product is a clear liquidcomposition containing 6.6% solids.

Part 2

The autoclave is charged with 600 g of the TFE/PDMOF (—SO₃H form) (IXR14.5) (EW1070) in film form and 2000 ml water. The product is a clearliquid composition containing 15.8% solids.

EXAMPLE 5

This example shows that the liquid composition is formed faster athigher temperatures.

Liquid compositions are made as in Example 4, Part 2, except that 800 gTFE/PDMOF (—SO₃H form) (IXR 14.7) (EW1070) and 2500 ml water are usedand the composition is formed at 255° C. for 2 hours. The liquidcomposition contains 23.5% solids. No solid TFE/PDMOF remains in thevessel.

EXAMPLE 6

A liquid composition is made in a shaker tube of the same type as usedin Example 1 using 70 g TFE/POPF (—SO₃H form) (IXR 12) (EW 778), 100 mlH₂O and 30 ml benzene and heated at 230° C. for 5 hours with shaking.The vessel was not shaken during the cooling. The clear liquid productcontains 33.1% solids and had a viscosity approximating that of ethyleneglycol. Compared to TFE/PDMOF (—SO₃H form) (IXR 14.7) (EW 1080), thisviscosity is extremely low for this concentration.

EXAMPLE 7

This example shows organic liquids that can be used to redisperse solidpolymer compositions prepared by drying the colloids below thecoalescence temperature of the polymer. Films can be made from theredispersed compositions as illustrated in Part 3.

Part 1

The clear liquid composition containing 11.2% TFE/PDMOF copolymerprepared in Example 1, Part 1 is conventionally freeze-dried to afriable white solid. A clear liquid composition is readily reconstitutedby shaking the solid with water at room temperature. Clear liquidcompositions are also readily prepared from the freeze-dried solid byshaking with ethanol, isopropanol, trifluoroethanol, dimethylformamide,dimethylacetamide, y-butyrolactone, or mixtures thereof with water atroom temperature. However, a clear liquid composition is not formed fromthe freeze-dried solid by shaking with cyclohexanol, cyclohexane orbenzene.

Part 2

Solid polymer compositions are prepared from the TFE/PDMOF (—SO₃H form)(IXR 14.5) (EW1070) colloid as prepared in Example 1, Part 1, and theTFE/POPF (—SO₃H form) (IXR 12) (EW780) colloid as prepared in Example 5.A sample of each solid composition is placed in the liquids listed inTable 3 and shaken at room temperature. TABLE 3 TFE/PDMOF TFE/POPFLiquid IXR 14.5 (EW1070) IXR 12 (EW780) methanol + + ethyl alcohol + +acetic acid + − dimethylsulfoxide + + ethylene glycol + + CF₃CH₂OH + −acetonitrile + + γ-butyrolactone + + dimethylformamide + +Code:“+” Solid disperses in liquid“−” Solid does not disperse in liquidPart 3

A film is cast from 10% by weight solids dispersion of TFE/PDMOF (—SO₃Hform) (IXR 14.5) (EW1070) in dimethylformamide onto a glass slide atroom temperature. The film is exposed to the air until dry and then isheated to 65° C. for 5 minutes. The resulting film is colorless,transparent and smooth. The procedure is repeated with a 10% by weightsolids dispersion TFE/PDMOF (IXR 14.5) (EW1070) in N-methyl pyrrolidoneto produce a similar film.

EXAMPLE 8

This example illustrates that a liquid composition of this inventiondiffers from a composition made using a water/alcohol medium asdisclosed in Grot, U.S. Pat. No. 4,433,082.

Part 1—Preparation of Composition as Disclosed in Grot, U.S. Pat. No.4,433,082

A TFE/PDMOF(—SO₃H) liquid composition is prepared by the methoddescribed in Grot, U.S. Pat. No. 4,433,082. A 250 gallon HASTELLOY®(Haynes Company) tank, fitted with a two-stage prop-style agitator andoil-heated jacket, is filled with a liquid medium containing 209 kg ofde-ionized water, 91 kg of 1-propanol and 43 kg of methanol, plus 32 kgof TFE/PDMOF(—SO₃H) (IXR 14.5) (EW1070) in bead form. This mixture isheated to a temperature of 232° C., then held at that condition for aperiod of 3 hours. After cooling to a temperature below 30° C. andventing ether vapors, some solid material remains in the vessel which isremoved when the solution is passed through a filter. The productcomposition produced by this process contains approximately 9% by weightof TFE/PDMOF(—SO₃H) (IXR 14.5) (EW1070), which is diluted toapproximately 5% by weight using water, 1-propanol and 2-propanol.

Part 2—Concentration/Alcohol Removal from Prior ArtComposition—Viscosity

The above-described 5% by weight TFE/PDMOF (—SO₃H form) liquidcomposition is concentrated to 14% solids by vacuum distillation at 58°C. By using this vacuum distillation procedure, substantially all of thealcohols present in the composition are removed with the distillate.Upon cooling to room temperature, the concentrate set to a gel. When asample of the gel is added to water, a fluid liquid composition againresults indicating that conversion to a gel does not disastrously alterthe particle structure in the composition.

In contrast, Example 6 illustrating the invention provides a liquidcomposition containing TFE/PDMOF (—SO₃H form) (IXR 14.7) (EW1080) inwater having 23% solids. This composition did not show any gelationbehavior even upon standing at room temperature for weeks and hadviscosity of no more than that of ethylene glycol.

Part 3—Light Scattering

Using an argon ion laser to provide 10 mw of 514.5 nm light focused to asmall volume in the sample, light intensity in photons/sec fromscattering at 90° (I) of liquid compositions is measured. Samples 2 and3 are made in accordance with Grot, U.S. Pat. No. 4,433,082. Samples 2is a product made as described in Part 1 of this Example and Sample 3 ismade as in Part 2 of this Example. Sample 1 is a composition made inaccordance with the invention as in Example 1, Part 1, except that it ismade with 98.5 g polymer in 187 ml water and 50 ml benzene to make acolloid with 18.4 weight % solids (some solids remained in vessel). Themeasured values are normalized to 1% and the value measured for atoluene control is subtracted. Table 2 shows the results which are theaverage of 10 runs of 10 seconds each with two additional data sets forSample 3 due to the large variation measured for this sample. Samples 2and 3 liquid compositions prepared by Grot process scatters light agreat deal more than did the liquid composition of this invention(Sample 1). TABLE 2 Subtracting the Toluene I I (Normalized) Ratio to II (Normalized) Ratio to Sample % Solids (Photons/sec) (Photons/sec/1%)Sample 1 (Photons/sec) (Photons/sec/1%) Sample 1 Toluene — 7660 — — — —— 1 18.4 43709 2375 1 36049 1959 1 2 5.0 46981 9396 4.0 39321 864 4.0 314 345533 24681 10.4 337873 24134 12.3Part 4—Redispersability of Dried Liquid Compositions

The prior art TFE/PDMOF liquid composition made as in Part 1 of thisExample is dried at room temperature overnight on a PTFE film to producea solid film. This solid film would not redisperse in water when shaken,boiled, or when sonicated. The clear liquid above the solid in theseexperiments did not scatter light indicating that even traces ofdispersed colloid were not present the water.

A TFE/POPF (—SO₃H form) (IXR 12) (EW 778) colloid is made in accordancewith Example 6 except that 60 polymer, 50 ml benzene, and 200 ml wateris used to produce a colloid with 25 weight % solids. In contrast to thecomposition of the prior art, when this TFE/POPF colloid in accordancewith the invention is dried at room temperature overnight on PTFE filmto make a film, this film is easily redispersed in room temperaturewater simply by shaking.

EXAMPLE 9

This example illustrates the use of CO₂ to promote TFE/PDMOF liquidcomposition formation.

A shaker tube is charged with 60 g TFE/PDMOF (—SO₃H form) (IXR 14.7)(EW1080) as beads and 250 ml H₂O. After sealing the vessel, 40 g CO₂ ispumped in. The vessel was shaken at 230° C. for 5 hours at autogenouspressure (approx. 4300 psi-29600 kPa). The shaking is stopped and thevessel is cooled to room temperature. The gas is vented through a tubeinto a catch pan to collect the product that formed. The materialremaining in the vessel is combined with that in the catch pan andplaced in a separatory funnel to remove a small amount of white foam. Nosolid polymer remains in the vessel. The colorless and clear liquidcomposition contains 22.0% solids.

EXAMPLE 10

This example illustrates heating to coalesce the dried liquidcompositions to durable films.

Using the liquid compositions made according to the Example numbersindicated, films are cast onto microscope slides then dried at thetemperatures indicated in Table 3 for 15 minutes. The durability of thefilm is tested by putting the slide in boiling water for 30 minutes. Thefilm quickly detaches and became swollen in the water. The results arereported in Table 3 with stable films, i.e., those which do not tear orcrack, indicated with a (+); whereas, unstable films are indicated by a(−), The liquid compositions are:

-   -   Sample 1—TFE/PDMOF (IXR 14.5) (EW 1070) composition prepared as        in Example 4, Part 2, i.e., prepared in water at 230° C. for 5        hours except also containing benzene.    -   Sample 2—TFE/PDMOF (IXR 14.5) (EW 1070) composition of Example        5, i.e., prepared in water only at 255° C. for 2 hours.    -   Sample 3—TFE/PDMOF (IXR 23) (EW 1500) composition prepared as in        Example 2, Part 3, i.e, prepared in water with benzene at        230° C. for 5 hours.

Sample 4—TFE/POPF (IXR 12) (EW 778) composition prepared as in Example6, i.e., prepared in water with benzene at 230° C. for 5 hours (60 gpolymer, 200 ml water, 50 ml benzene, 20% solids). TABLE 3 Stability ofFilms in 100° C. H₂O Coalescence Sample Temp. ° C. 1 2 3 4 150 − − − −175 + + − − 200 + + − + 225 + +

EXAMPLE 11

This example shows how the colloid can be made odorless when containingwith sulfur containing contaminants.

A 23.5% solids TFE/PDMOF (—SO₃H) (IXR 14.7) (EW 1080) colloid madeaccording to the procedure of Example 5, has a straw-like color and afoul odor believe to be due to sulfur-containing contaminants. 10 ml 30%H₂O₂ is added to 50 ml of the colloid. No temperature rise is observed.After three hours at room temperature, most of the foul odor is gone. Onstanding overnight at room temperature, its odor is completed removed.Since hydrogen peroxide is known to slowly decompose to water andoxygen, the hydrogen peroxide is presumed to have decreased to a levelwhich is not detrimental in most uses of the composition.

EXAMPLE 12

This experiment illustrates that a TFE/PDMOF (—SO₃H) colloid applied toa rigid porous support transports water vapor very rapidly.

A 26.2% solids colloid is made according to the procedure of Example 1,Part 1, except that it is made in a stirred autoclave using 780 gTFE/PDMOF (—SO₃H) (IXR 14.5) (EW1070) film, 21 water, and 500 mlbenzene. The colloid is applied to the top surface of a fired but notglazed porous ceramic plate measuring 5¼″×5¼″×0.31″ (13.3 cm×13.3cm×0.79 cm). The colloid penetrates into the top surface of the plateand forms a film when dried at room temperature. The film formed istested for gas tightness by flooding the top of the plate, i.e., theTFE/PDMOF film side, with n-heptane and contacting the underside withthe open end of a rubber tube supplying N₂ at 7 inches H₂O (1.7 kPa)pressure on under side of the plate. No bubbles form in the heptane.

Vapor pressure transport is tested by covering the top of the plate,i.e., the TFE/PDMOF film side, with a glass dome which has an O-ringseal for making a gas tight seal to the film on the top of the plate.The plate is placed on top of an open-topped vessel approximately halffull of water to provide a water vapor containing space between thewater and the bottom of the plate.

After purging with N₂, anhydrous CaSO₄ impregnated with COCl₂ sold underthe trademark DRIERITE® is placed in a dish inside the dome. DRIERITE®is blue when dry and pink when wet. DRIERITE® in a dish is also placedoutside the dome as a control. The relative humidity this day is 30%.

In one hour, the control DRIERITE® turns lavender color caused by thepresence of both pink and blue COCl₂. The DRIERITE® inside the dometurns lavender in 20 minutes and completely pink in 1% hours indicatingtransport of vapor across the plate coated with TFE/PDMOF. After 5hours, the control is still lavender in color.

EXAMPLE 13

This example illustrates two methods for using the aqueous colloid ofthe invention to form an adherent layer of TFE/PDMOF polymer on PTFE.

Part 1

To 10 g of the TFE/PDMOF (—SO₃H form) colloid (21% solids) prepared asin Example 4, Part 2, is added 0.03 g of the surfactant n-C₇F₁₅CO₂ ⁻NH₄⁺ sold under the trademark FC-143 by 3M, of Minneapolis, Minn. dissolvedin 1 ml H₂O. This gives a clear fluid liquid which wet a PTFE fiberbundle sold under the trademark TEFLON® by the DuPont Company (400-60-0Merge IT 0136.7 DPF Lot 12272). The fiber is soaked in the colloid for15 minutes. After shaking off the excess liquid, the fiber is dried andthen heated to 200° C. for a few seconds to coalesce the TFE/PDMOF. Thebundle of fibers is now stiff and obviously coated.

Part 2

Another sample of the same bundle of PTFE fibers as used in Part 1 aresurface etched with sodium ketyl from benzophenone. Sodium ketyl can beprepared by adding 1 g (0.043 mole) Na to 3.6 g. (0.042 mole)benzophenone in 100 ml tetrahydrofuran, first degassing by N₂ purge andthen drying by passage through a bed of acid chromatographic alumina.This is carried out in a 200 ml 3-necked round bottom flask kept underN₂ purge to exclude oxygen and moisture.

The surface etched fibers are wrapped around a microscope slide andplaced in the ketyl solution for 15 minutes. The slide with the fibersis rinsed with water, then acetone to remove residual benzophenone, thensoaked in water. These fibers are wet by same colloid as used in Part 1without addition of the FC-143. After soaking in the colloid for 15minutes, excess liquid is shaken off. The fibers are dried and heated at177° C. for 10 minutes. A portion of this product is redipped and thedrying/heating step is repeated as above. A portion of the redippedproduct is soaked in water for 3 hours with no alteration of thecoating.

EXAMPLE 14

This example illustrates impregnating a water-resistant, porous PTFEwith a TFE/PDMOF (—SO₃H form) isopropyl alcohol colloid.

A 5″ circle of white microporous PTFE made as disclosed in PCTPublication No. WO94/00511, published Jan. 6, 1994, is held stretched inan embroidery hoop and is treated with a TFE/PDMOF (—SO₃Hform)/isopropyl alcohol colloid made by sonicating 10 g freeze driedTFE/PDMOF colloid made in accordance with Example 10, Sample 1, and 50 gisopropyl alcohol at room temperature. The alcohol colloid readilypenetrates the porous PTFE making it semitransparent. After drying, theprocess is repeated until the final product contains 72% TFE/PDMOF whichnow was a light brown color. Because acetone could be pulled through thefilm under vacuum, the product still possesses some porosity.

EXAMPLE 15

This example illustrates the preparation of a TFE/PDMOF (—SO₃H form)fiber.

A TFE/PDMOF (—SO₃H form) colloid in water (22.2% solids) prepared as inExample 1, Part 1, is loaded into a syringe fitted with a #20 needle.The colloid is injected into concentrated HCl in a Petri dish to athread about 2 inches (5 cm) long. The colloid sets up to a gel fiberand striations could be seen in the acid as it removes the water fromthe gel. The weak gel fiber is gently slid onto a microscope slide andthe excess liquid on the slide is absorbed with paper.

After heating to 150° C., the fiber can be bent and pulled withoutbreaking.

EXAMPLE 16

This example illustrates a thixotropic TFE/PDMOF colloid.

0.5 ml of 2% polyacrylic acid Mol. wt. 4,000,000 and obtained fromPolysciences, Warrington, Pa., is added to 2 ml of 22% TFE/PDMOF (—SO₃Hform) (IXR 14.5) (EW1070) colloid in water. The heterogeneous mixture issonicated in a cavitation mode. Quickly the mixture forms a homogeneouslow viscosity liquid which, on standing, becomes a transparent gel.Sonication causes the gel to become fluid again.

EXAMPLE 17

This examples illustrates mixtures of colloid with other colloids.

2 g of the TFE/PDMOF (—SO₃H form) colloid containing 23% solids made inaccordance with Example 1, Part 1 are mixed with the following colloids:

-   -   Aqueous Perfluoroalkoxy Dispersion—(Teflon® 335-DuPont) Product:        Thick, but pours.    -   Aqueous PTFE Dispersion—(Teflon® 3170-DuPont) Product: Thick,        but pours    -   Aqueous Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene Dispersion—(Teflon®        1201-DuPont)        -   Product: Cloudy, thick and pours

Also, the three above experiments are repeated with the further additionof 2 ml silica colloid sold under the trademark LUDOX® by the DuPontCompany. The colloids persist in all cases as viscous and slow-pouringliquids.

EXAMPLE 18

This example illustrates the preparation of TFE/PDMOF (metal salt form)colloids in accordance with the present invention.

Part 1

Part 1 illustrates the conversion of the TFE/PDMOF (—SO₃H form) colloidwith a metal compound. A variety of carbonates and bicarbonate are usedbecause CO₂ is released as bubbles when a reaction occurs. Bubbles areseen immediately in every example even though some of the carbonateshave very low solubility in water.

One ounce vials are charged with 3 ml of TFE/PDMOF (—SO₃H form) (IXR14.5) (EW1070) colloid (15.8% solids) made as in Example 4, part 2. Theamounts of carbonates and bicarbonates as indicated in Table 4 are addedand the result is shown in Table 4. TABLE 4 Compound Immediate AddedObservation After 1 hr. After 6 hrs. (mg approx) Viscosity TransparencyViscosity Transparency Viscosity Transparency Li₂CO₃ low + low + low +(40) NaHCO₃ low + viscous + viscous + (40) CaCO₃ (15) low + low + low +(50) more + gel cloudy gel cloudy ZnCO₃ low haze (45) unreacted ZnCO₃Ag₂CO₃ low + low + low + (50) straw color straw color straw color MgCO₃low some haze low haze low haze (45)Part 2

Part 2 illustrates making TFE/PDMOF colloids from film in sodium saltform.

TFE/PDMOF (—SO₃H form) (IXR 14.5) (EW 1070) film is soaked in aqueous 4%NaOH for 5 days to convert it to the sodium salt form. The product isrinsed, soaked in water one hour, and dried. 60 g of this product isconverted to a colloid in accordance with the procedure of Example 1,Part 1 except that 60 g of the polymer in film form used. The product isvery viscous, the consistency of honey. The benzene is removed byevaporation leaving a colorless, transparent very viscous mass.

EXAMPLE 19

This example illustrates the stability of the TFE/PDMOF (—SO₃H form)colloids. The colloids described in Table 5 are stored at roomtemperature from the day of preparation and are unchanged after the timeperiods indicated. TABLE 5 H₂O Benzene Time Temp. Solids Sample Age mo.IXR EW (g) ml ml hrs. ° C. Content 1 5.5 14.7 1080 (25) 200 50 5 230 102 5.5 14.7 1080 (20) 200 0 5 230 6.6 3 5 23 1500 (30) 200 50 5 230 8.0 45 14.7 1080 (436) 200 50 5 230 23.0 5 3.5 14.5 1070 (600) 2000 0 5 23015.8

EXAMPLE 20

As indicated in Table 6, liquid compositions are prepared with variousamounts of beads of TFE/PDMOF copolymers (—SO3H form) of 23 IXR (1500EW) at various temperatures and for various times in water. With theexception of Part 1 (see footnote), procedure of Example 1, Part 2 isused. The resulting compositions are examined for insoluble material,allowed to settle, clear liquid drawn off and percentage solids byweight determined. In Parts 3, 4 and 5 the undispersed water-swollenpellets are recovered by filtration, rinsed with water and dried andused for Part 8.

The amount of 1500 EW polymer in the clear liquid relative to the amountcharged is used to determine the solution yield. The “Wt % Goal” columnin the Table assumes that all 100% of charged polymer is dispersed. Thisexample illustrates that the solution yield as a percentage of thepolymer charged is a function of the temperature of the run and not ofthe amount charged or length of time at temperature. At 260° C. (Parts 2to 5), about 48% is dispersed into the clear liquid phase and the restis recovered as undispersed pellets no matter what the dilution orheating time. At 300 C (Parts 6 to 8) all polymer goes into the liquidphase. Furthermore the insoluble fraction of pellets recovered fromParts 2 to 5 at 260° C. are dispersed fully into the liquid phase at300° C. (Part 8) and no insoluble pellets remain.

The clear liquid dispersions of 1500 EW polymer are stable indefinitelyexcept when there is more than 10 weight percent solids. The liquid fromPart 7 containing 14.6% solids, after days, sets up into a hazy stiffgel. This gel is broken by adding 1 part methanol to 10 parts gel. Aftershaking in a glass jar at ambient temperature and pressure it becomesvery fluid. TABLE 6 Wt % Shaker Tube Time Weight % Solution Part GoalTemperature (hr) Solution Yield Comments  1* 14.9 230° C. 5 6.8 45.7%Example 2, Part 3 2 16.7 260° C. 5 8.4% 50.4% Pellets remain 3 9.1 260°C. 5 4.0   44% Pellets remain 4 9.1 260° C. 24 4.4 48.4% Pellets remain5 13.0 260° C. 8 6.5 49.8% Pellets remain 6 9.1 300° C. 5 9.0 98.9%Clear liquid 7 15.0 300° C. 5 14.6 97.3  Pellets gone 8 9.1 300° C. 56.7 87.9  Insolubles from 260° C. runs*Example 2, Part 3 repeated here (contains benzene).

EXAMPLE 21

To 100 grams of the liquid composition made by the procedure of Example5 (14.5 IXR-1070 EW polymer containing 0.026 equivalents —SO₃H groups)and 20 milliliters of water is added with stirring over 7 minutes asolution of 0.62 grams (0.026 equivalents) of lithium hydroxide in 20milliliters of water. The resulting clear liquid contains 24.6% solids.The solution remains clear, is very light amber in color, has a moderateviscosity and is free flowing for months. It is readily cast on KAPTON®polyimide film (DuPont Company) and cured at 225° C. to give a clearcolorless coating which can be peeled off as smooth strong clear films.The cast films of lithium salt (—SO₃Li) of 1070 EW polymer areparticularly good at remaining light colored after high temperaturecures compared with the proton form (—SO₃H).

1. A process for making a film of a highly fluorinated ion-exchangepolymer having sulfonate functional groups comprising casting a liquidcomposition comprising a liquid dispersion medium and about 0.5 to about50% by weight particles of a highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymerhaving sulfonate functional groups with an ion exchange ratio of lessthan about 33, at least about 25% by weight of said particles having aparticle size of about 2 nm to about 30 nm; and removing said liquiddispersion medium from said composition to form an uncoalesced film ofsaid ion exchange polymer.
 2. The process of claim 1 further comprisingheating said uncoalesced film to above the coalescence temperature ofsaid ion exchange polymer.
 3. The process of claim 1 wherein said liquiddispersion medium further comprises a surfactant.
 4. A process formaking an elongated shaped article of a highly fluorinated ion-exchangepolymer having sulfonate functional groups comprising extruding a liquidcomposition comprising a liquid dispersion medium and about 0.5 to about50% by weight particles of a highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymerhaving sulfonate functional groups with an ion exchange ratio of lessthan about 33, at least about 25% by weight of said particles having aparticle size of about 2 nm to about 30 nm; and removing said liquiddispersion medium from said extruded composition to form an uncoalescedshaped article of said ion exchange polymer.
 5. The process of claim 4further comprising heating said uncoalesced shaped article to above thecoalescence temperature of said ion exchange polymer.
 6. The process ofclaim 4 wherein said shaped article is a fiber.
 7. A process for makingan article containing a highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymer havingsulfonate functional groups comprising applying to a substrate a liquidcomposition comprising a liquid dispersion medium and about 0.5 to about50% by weight particles of a highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymerhaving sulfonate functional groups with an ion exchange ratio of lessthan about 33, at least about 25% by weight of said particles having aparticle size of about 2 nm to about 30 nm; and removing said liquiddispersion medium from said liquid composition to form uncoalesced ionexchange polymer.
 8. The process of claim 7 further comprising heatingsaid uncoalesced ion exchange polymer to above the coalescencetemperature of said ion exchange polymer.
 9. The process of claim 7wherein said substrate is nonporous and said ion exchange polymer formsa surface coating on said substrate.
 10. The process of claim 7 whereinsaid substrate is porous and at least a portion said ion exchangepolymer is incorporated into the interior of said substrate.
 11. Theprocess of claim 7 wherein said liquid composition further comprisesparticles of a different composition.
 12. The process of claim 7 whereinsaid substrate comprises a fluoropolymer having a composition differentfrom said ion exchange polymer and said liquid dispersion medium isaqueous and further comprises a surfactant to increase adhesion of saidion exchange polymer to said substrate.
 13. The process of claim 7wherein said substrate comprises a fluoropolymer having a compositiondifferent from said ion exchange polymer which has been treated prior toapplication of said composition to increase adhesion of said ionexchange polymer to said substrate.